The anniversary of 20th Russain folk art festival Karavon will on 26 May take place in the village of Russkoe Nikolskoe in Tatarstan’s Laishev region, said a today’s briefing at the Tatarstan Cabinet of Ministers.

Tatarstan deputy culture minister Irada Ayupova and Laishev municipality executive committee head Mikhail Fadeev answered questions from journalists.

The main purpose of the festivity is to revive the Russian spiritual values and national awareness, based on historical traditions.

The folk festival Karavon dates back to the 16th century. It was held until the 20th century’s 50es, when folk festivals were banned as religious. It used to be held in May, on the day of Nicholas the Wonderworker. People would gather in villages, where numerous relatives would come. The purpose was not simply to pay tribute to their protector but to have fun and sing songs.

The festival was later revived and has been held in the same place. Owing to its 20th anniversary, President of Tatarstan R. Minnikhanov, Russian Folk Art House representatives and other officials are expected to be present.

A dramatised prologue including 9 scenes will at 12 pm open the festival’s official part. The main idea of the prologue this year is to show in its diversity the unique rite of suit in the village of Nikolskoe and popular festivities on the occasion of the harvest end.

The popular Russian band Ivan Kupala and best folk groups will perform after the official part.

A traditional general round dance will conclude the festival.

About 135 ethnographic, folk and vocal groups from Tatarstan and other Russian regions are this year expected to take part in this year’s event. The number of visitors is to increase as well, the organisers say. While they were about 8 thousand last year, this year about 10-12 thousand are expected.